Brookhaven College has been a leader in Service Learning since piloting a curriculum-based volunteer program with the Greater Dallas Council of Churches in 1982. Currently Service Learning agencies are coordinated for all seven Dallas Community Colleges at our district office, but day-to-day work with students and faculty is managed by our campus Student Programs and Resources Office. Like most colleges, our Service Learning connections are strongest with Social Science and Communications instructors, so when America Counts came on the scene last summer, we capitalized upon a growth opportunity.
In a planning meeting with SPAR last fall, full-time mathematics faculty agreed to launch a tutoring partnership with nearby Marsh Middle School, of Dallas Public Schools, in spring 2000. Tutors would be recruited among students enrolled in college-level math courses taught by full-time instructors. The America Counts Service Learning tutors were to be offered up to 25 extra points on their final test scores based on the number of hours they tutored. Additionally, they would attend Reflection sessions about their service experiences. Math professor Debra Hanus was named the liaison instructor and granted a supplemental contract for the extra duties associated with managing the program.
In February the BHC students attended orientations offered by the college and DISD. While 42 students expressed interest, ultimately 28 signed on, with 21 completing the semester (75% completion!) and serving 231.5 hours at Marsh. Approximately 25 30 middle school students, primarily seventh and eighth graders, received help.
According to Ms. Hanus, the BHC tutors generally enjoyed their service experience, but more importantly they expressed, “”This is where we need to be.”" Brookhaven and Marsh will continue to fine tune the details of this partnership. In the meantime, plans are underway to bring our adjunct faculty into the America Reads Service Learning Program.
Contact person: Debbie Hanus, dah2468 {at} dcccd(.)edu
Web site: http://www.nlc.dcccd.edu/bhc/campserv/spar/amercnt.html
